Metal Shipping and Storage Drum Jargon Decoded

by | Feb 2, 2021 | Reference, Uncategorized

Metal Drum manufacturers have a technical language they use to describe the features and uses of their products.  If you are not an industry insider, some of these terms may be a bit puzzling.  To help clear up any confusion and allow you to more effectively collaborate with us, we’ve put together a handy explanation of some of the most common terms we use. 

  • Bail (Bail and Ears) – Wire attached to small drum or pail which acts as a handle. May have a cylindrical grip.  The bail is attached to the side of the drum or pail on each side.  The attachment mechanisms are commonly referred to as ears.
  • Body (Shell) – The cylindrical portion of the drum which is created by roll forming sheet steel and securing by welding or other appropriate method
  • Bung – A plug used to seal an opening in a drum (known as a bung hole). The most common sizes of bungs used in drum manufacturing are 2” and ¾”.
  • Chime (Chine) – The mechanically formed joint between the body and the top or bottom of the drum
  • Chime Band (Chime Ring) – A reinforcing band of steel crimped around the chime
  • Closing Ring – A circular channel of strip metal with a V or U-shaped channel which applies pressure and seals the lid of an open head container to its body. There are several styles of closing rings, but the most common are activated with a bolt and nut or lever latch.
  • CFR – Code of Federal Regulations. In terms of drums, this is usually a reference to 49 CFR that regulates the manufacture, testing, and marking of drums used in the transport of hazardous substances.
  • Cold Rolled Steel (CRS) – Steel Sheets formed and rolled to a specific gauge without heat. This process begins with hot rolled steel sheets which have been chemically cleaned.
  • Combination Package – One or more inner packagings contained inside an outer drum.
  • Composite Packaging – A drum with an integral inner unit such that the inner and outer form one unit. Once filled, the assembled package is used for shipping and storage as a unit until emptied.
  • Corrugation (Bead, Hoop, Rolling Hoop, Swedge) – An expanded band which protrudes from the circumference of the drum body. This feature is formed by mechanically expanding, pressing, or rolling the sidewall of the body.  Corrugations primary use is to strengthen the sidewall of the drum, but they are also used to facilitate rolling.
  • Curl (False Wire) – The rolled feature at the top of a removable head drum. The curl provides a wide base to which the gasket may adhere and form a proper seal with the drum cover.
  • DOT 7A – Drums made, marked and tested in accordance with specific requirements for the shipment of nuclear material
  • Dunnage – Cushioning or bracing material placed inside of a drum to take up empty space and to protect the contents from shifting and damage during transport.
  • Embossing – Pressed in lettering on a drum which may be required by regulating bodies as a means of permanently marking a container with its specifications or rating.
  • Fitting – Any opening with a threaded or non-threaded construction used for filling and dispensing or venting the drum. Fittings are generally supplied with the corresponding cover or plug.
  • Foot Ring (Wear Ring) – A protective metal ring added to the bottom of a drum. Foot rings are designed to hold the bottom of the container off the ground and protect it from damage.
  • Head – The top or bottom of the drum
  • Military Spec (MS) – A drum made to the specifications outlined by the United States military under MIL-D-6055 or MIL-D-6054. These drums are made to specific dimensions and have strict requirements for testing, finishing, and labeling.
  • Necked-In Drum – A drum with a reduced circumference at the top or bottom of its body which allows for stacking.
  • Open Head Drum – A drum with a fully removable top head (lid/cover). Open head containers are held closed with a closing ring.
  • Overpack – A container used to contain a smaller container. Overpacks are used to add durability or to contain leaking containers.
  • Passivation – Chemically treating with a mild oxidant to remove free iron or other contaminates from the surface of stainless steel. Passivation enhances the natural corrosion resistant layer of stainless steel
  • POP Testing – Performance Testing performed to satisfy the requirements of a regulatory body or customer requirement.
  • Phenolic Coating – A coating applied to drums most commonly to provide corrosion resistance or a chemical barrier between the drum contents and the metal of the drum.
  • Phosphating – A chemical application which imparts a thin coating of a metallic phosphate to the surface of unfinished metal. This provides a measure of corrosion resistance and prepares the metal for finish coatings.
  • Pickling (Acid Pickling) – Chemical process utilizing a variety of acids which etch the surface of stainless steel to remove dirt, scale, oxides and other contaminants.
  • Rated Capacity – The capacity marked on a drum. This is generally the capacity to which the drum has been tested and approved for use by the manufacturer or regulating body.
  • Reconditioning – The process of cleaning, and repairing, and leakproof testing drums for reuse.
  • Sanitary (Seamless, Crevice Free) Construction – Construction using special welding and bottom and/or top formation to make a drum easy to clean. This type of construction is typical in food applications and process vessels.
  • Seaming Compound – A non-hardening polymer rolled into the chime to aid leakproofness of the drum
  • Side Seam – The welded or mechanically formed seam that joins together the sides of the drum.
  • Tare Weight – The weight of the drum including its cover and closing ring if applicable when empty.
  • Tight Head Drum – A container with its top and bottom permanently attached to its body.
  • UN Marking – The embossing, stenciling, labeling or other method of adequate permanency which is applied to the drum.  UN Marking uses coded lettering to identify the type and amount of material which can be legally shipped within the drum.

 Have more questions about steel shipping and storage drums?  We would be happy to help.  At Packaging Specialties, we strive to educate our customers so that they can find the best solution in industrial and transport packaging.  You can reach us by e-mail sales@packspec.com or phone (330) 723-6000.